Virtual Tours and Accessibility Opening Doors to Travel for Everyone

Travelling to different destinations is one of the most retreating activities for anyone. However, after the emergence of COVID-19, the tourism industry came to a halt. But then came a dramatic shift that opened doors to travel for everyone, and it is none other than virtual tours. This innovative way of travelling has been creating history since it got recognition. From education to manufacturing to healthcare, VR tours are implemented effectively to offer seamless educational experiences. In this article, we will explore how virtual tours and accessibility can open doors to travel for everyone, along with its benefits and applications. 

What is a virtual tour?

A virtual tour is a digital tour that lets you walk or explore different areas or locations virtually without visiting in person. It offers lifelike visuals that recreate physical experiences in one way or another. 

Benefits of Virtual Tours

VR tours have numerous advantages and play a crucial role in different industries. Users can experience activities and explore locations and destinations from their homes. The most apparent benefit of the virtual tour is that people can view and experience a destination without travelling, which means that available flights, safety concerns, and logistics don't limit them. Some other benefits of VR tours are as follows -

• Freedom of movement- Digital tourists are not constrained by time and physical limitations. They can explore locations at their own pace and get the same comfort and experience. 

• Great learning opportunities - We all get tired of listening to tour guide rambling with the same boring information. But with virtual tours, digital tourists can instantly choose which information they want to listen to. Hence, no money is spent on tourist guides., pressure expectations, or the need to absorb everything firsthand. 

• No more waiting and limitations - Immersive VR tours offer an independent experience without hassle, noise, and pressure. It's just you and the destination. This experience can happen anytime and anywhere if you have access to the necessary hardware and software. 

• Show more than physically possible - Not all virtual tours are modelled after existing physical locations. Hence, you can create an experience, such as space, underwater, or in a fantasy world, that users cannot get anywhere else. All it does is stimulate their senses and imagination. 

• A powerful marketing element - VR tours are highly efficient for industries like education, real estate or hospitality. They can give new visitors a good reason to visit their location in person, conduct their business online, and boost their online presence. 

Virtual Tours and Accessibility Opening Doors to Travel for Everyone

Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities 

Virtual tours offer a barrier-free travel experience for people with disabilities. Those with mobility challenges can explore destinations and attractions that may be difficult to access physically. Virtual tours allow you to "visit" places that may not be wheelchair-friendly or have other accessibility limitations.

Overcoming Geographical Barriers

Virtual tours enable people to explore destinations worldwide without the constraints of distance or travel expenses. Individuals needing more means or the ability to travel long distances can still experience the sights, sounds, and culture of different locations through virtual tours.

Sensory-Friendly Experiences

Virtual tours can be adapted to provide sensory-friendly experiences for individuals with sensory processing sensitivities. They can control the tour's audio, visuals, and pace, creating a personalized and comfortable exploration environment.

Language Accessibility

Virtual tours can be accompanied by multilingual captions, audio descriptions, or translations, ensuring that individuals with diverse language backgrounds can understand and engage with the content. This feature allows people from various linguistic backgrounds to access and enjoy virtual travel experiences.

Inclusive Learning Opportunities: 

Virtual tours allow educational institutions to offer inclusive learning experiences. Students with disabilities or limited resources can participate in virtual field trips and gain knowledge about different cultures, historical sites, and natural wonders.

Age-Friendly Travel

Virtual tours appeal to individuals of all ages, including seniors facing mobility or health challenges. Older adults can virtually explore destinations and landmarks they may not be able to visit physically, enabling them to engage in lifelong learning and enrichment.

Pre-Travel Planning: 

Virtual tours assist travellers in making informed decisions about their trips. Individuals with specific accessibility needs can preview accommodations, transportation options, and attractions before booking, ensuring their travel experience meets their requirements.

The most common features of virtual tours are -

• Rotate and zoom

• Click and learn

• Virtual interactions

• Teleportation

• Virtual tour guide

Types of Virtual Tours

The different types of VR tours are as follows -

360-degree virtual tour -

A 360-degree virtual tour is an innovative way to explore a space from the comfort of your own home. It is a complete view of the surroundings that allows you to move around and get a feel for the place as if you were there. These tours are available online and can be accessed easily. They offer an excellent opportunity to explore and evaluate properties, saving you time and money on unnecessary visits. Overall, 360-degree virtual tours are an excellent tool for anyone looking to comprehensively understand a space without physically being there.

3D VR Tour-

A 3D-VR virtual tour allows you to explore three-dimensional space using a VR headset. It immerses the user in the environment and makes them feel as if they are present physically. These tours are highly interactive, engaging and prevalent in tourism, education, and real estate industries. 

Applications of virtual tours in different sectors

Virtual tours have become increasingly popular across various industries due to their impressive immersive and interactive experiences. Here are some applications in different industries -

1. Real Estate: Virtual tours allow potential buyers or renters to explore properties remotely. They can view 360-degree panoramas, navigate through different rooms, and get a sense of the layout and size of the property. Virtual tours save time for both buyers and sellers by narrowing down options and reducing the need for physical visits.

2. Tourism and Hospitality: Virtual tours enable travellers to explore destinations, hotels, and attractions before making travel plans. They can virtually visit landmarks, museums, and resorts and even take virtual walks through cities. Virtual tours help promote tourism and assist travellers in making informed decisions about their trips.

3. Education: Virtual tours provide an immersive learning experience by enabling students to explore historical sites, museums, art galleries, and scientific environments from the comfort of their classrooms or homes. This technology enhances engagement and understanding, especially in history, geography, and science. In addition, these tours are highly effective for exceptional students, as they can learn and experience at their own pace. 

4. Museums and Galleries: Virtual tours allow museums and galleries to showcase their collections to a global audience. Visitors can virtually explore exhibitions, zoom in on artwork, and access additional information about each piece. Virtual tours also benefit those with physical disabilities who may have difficulty visiting in person.

5. Event Planning: Virtual tours are utilized in event planning to provide attendees with a preview of venues and setups. Event organizers can showcase conference rooms, exhibition spaces, and event layouts, helping potential attendees visualize the event and make informed decisions about attendance.

6. Retail and E-commerce: Virtual tours can replicate the in-store shopping experience by allowing customers to explore virtual showrooms or retail spaces. They can view products from different angles, access additional information, and purchase directly within the virtual environment.

7. Architecture and Construction: Virtual tours assist architects and construction professionals showcase their designs to clients. Clients can virtually walk through buildings, view interior designs, assess room dimensions, and provide feedback before construction begins. Virtual tours also aid in detecting design flaws or modifications required during the planning phase.

8. Healthcare: Virtual tours are used in healthcare for various purposes. They can help patients familiarize themselves with hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities, reducing anxiety before appointments or procedures. Virtual tours are also valuable for medical training, allowing students and healthcare professionals to explore simulated medical environments and practice procedures.

By breaking down physical and geographical barriers, virtual tours make travel more inclusive and accessible to a broader range of individuals. They provide exploration, learning, and connection opportunities, promoting a sense of inclusion and diversity in travel.

UMETY is an immersive technological platform who are passionate about creating an impact on education by enhancing educational experiences. We are committed to equipping learners with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the modern world. Driven by a diverse core team with extensive expertise in immersive technology, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of educational innovation.